2010 NFL Wildcard Playoffs Ravens vs. Patriots Picks & Predictions
The short-handed New England Patriots will host the Baltimore Ravens at 1:00PM ET on Sunday on Wildcard Weekend in the NFL.
The Ravens beat the Raiders 21-13 as a 10-point favorite in Week 17, while the combined score fell under the posted total of 39 points. Willis McGahee rushed for 167 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries for Baltimore, while Ray Rice added 70 rushing yards on 14 carries.
The Patriots lost to the Texans 34-27 as a 7.5-point underdog in Week 17, while the combined score went over the posted total of 47 points. Tom Brady threw for 186 yards and an interception for New England, while Fred Taylor rushed for 33 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SPORTSBETTING.com have made the Patriots 3-point favorites over the Ravens for this Wildcard matchup. The over/under total for this game has been set at 43 points.
Over the past decade, it would have been unwise to go against the Patriots in the postseason. But times have changed, as this isn’t the same Bill Belichick-led New England team that we’ve become so accustomed to.
Our free pick prediction for this game is the Ravens +3. The Patriots’ defense is average at best and opponents have proven that they can move the ball on them all season. They have a couple of younger, inexperienced players that Flacco and Rice can attack. We expect Baltimore to establish the run and control this game from the onset.
Another factor in our pick is the fact that New England will be without Wes Welker, who was by far the team’s most consistent offensive weapon. The Pats’ offense has been dangerous this season, but without Welker they’re going to find it hard to pick up third downs as successfully as they did throughout the regular season.
We also favor the under in this game. The total has gone under in four of Baltimore’s last five games on the road and in four of its last six games when playing on the road against New England.
Our NFL Wildcard Free Pick for this matchup is: BALTIMORE RAVENS +3 and UNDER 43.
Ravens vs. Patriots Current Odds
105 Baltimore Ravens +3 (+165 moneyline) Over 43
106 New England –3 (-190 moneyline) Under 43
NFL Wildcard Playoff Trends
All games in this series since 1992
NEW ENGLAND is 4-1 against the spread versus BALTIMORE since 1992
NEW ENGLAND is 5-0 straight up against BALTIMORE since 1992
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1992
Games over the last 3 seasons
NEW ENGLAND is 1-1 against the spread versus BALTIMORE over the last 3 seasons
NEW ENGLAND is 2-0 straight up against BALTIMORE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
All games played at NEW ENGLAND since 1992
NEW ENGLAND is 3-0 against the spread versus BALTIMORE since 1992
NEW ENGLAND is 3-0 straight up against BALTIMORE since 1992
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1992
Games played at NEW ENGLAND over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 1-0 against the spread versus BALTIMORE over the last 3 seasons
NEW ENGLAND is 1-0 straight up against BALTIMORE over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NFL Wildcard Playoff Injuries
BALTIMORE
[OT] 08/04/2009 - Adam Terry IR ( Knee )
[CB] 10/19/2009 - Samari Rolle IR ( Neck )
[WR] 08/14/2009 - Marcus Smith IR ( ACL )
[DT] 08/15/2009 - Lamar Divens IR ( Hip )
[LB] 09/06/2009 - Jason Phillips IR ( Knee )
[LB] 10/05/2009 - Brendon Ayanbadejo IR ( Quad )
[DB] 11/17/2009 - Haruki Nakamura IR ( Ankle )
[RB] 11/24/2009 - Matt Lawrence IR ( Knee )
[CB] 11/24/2009 - Fabian Washington IR ( Knee )
[DT] 12/19/2009 - Brandon McKinney IR ( Back )
[S) 12/25/2009 - KJ Gerard IR ( Thigh )
[CB] 12/21/2009 - Lardarius Webb IR ( ACL )
[LB] 01/03/2010 - Tavares Gooden "?" Sunday vs. New England ( Groin )
NEW ENGLAND
[LB] 08/26/2009 - Tyrone McKenzie IR ( Knee )
- 09/05/2009 - George Bussey IR ( Knee )
[WR] 11/18/2009 - Brandon Tate IR ( Knee )
[SS] 12/09/2009 - Bret Lockett IR ( Groin )
[DT] 01/04/2010 - Vince Wilfork probable Sunday vs. Baltimore ( Foot )
[DE] 01/04/2010 - Ty Warren probable Sunday vs. Baltimore ( Ankle )
[WR] 01/03/2010 - Wes Welker out for season ( Knee )